avoid stress

During the Christmas holiday, it's easy to become stressed. It's easy to rush from job to job, cutting ourselves short of relaxation and sleep. But in our zeal to give to others and celebrate Christ's birth, we need to love and take care of ourselves.

The Bible tell us: "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep." Psalm 127:2 KJ/AV

We need to remember it's okay to say "no" when we're short of time. We don't have to give up our lunch break or cut short our night. Amidst the excitement of the holiday season, we need to be willing to draw livable boundaries for ourselves, making sure we have adequate rest, good nutrition and a good night's sleep.

God ordained the Sabbath, at least in part, so we'd get that rest. In the book of Leviticus, God talks about the consequences of disobedience.

"And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it.

"And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

"Then shall the land enjoy her Sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye be in your enemies' land…" Leviticus 26:32-34 KJ/AV

So by all means, take your Sabbaths. Get a good night's sleep. Enjoy the holidays, and every day, even if you don't get everything done…